Interactive environment for performing arts scripts

ABSTRACT

One or more embodiments present a script to a user in an interactive script environment. A digital representation of a manuscript is analyzed. This digital representation includes a set of roles and a set of information associated with each role in the set of roles. An active role in the set of roles that is associated with a given user is identified based on the analyzing. At least a portion of the manuscript is presented to the given user via a user interface. The portion includes at least a subset of information in the set of information. Information within the set of information that is associated with the active role is presented in a visually different manner than information within the set of information that is associated with a non-active role, which is a role that is associated with a user other than the given user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/169,867 filed Jun. 27, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No.8,888,494, which is based upon and claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/358,961 filed Jun. 28, 2010 thedisclosure of each is hereby incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to interactive environments, andmore particularly relates to an interactive environment for performingarts scripts.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

All of the material in this patent application is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and of othercountries. As of the first effective filing date of the presentapplication, this material is protected as unpublished material.However, permission to copy this material is hereby granted to theextent that the copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent documentation or patent disclosure,as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patentfile or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A basic task performed by an actor is learning/reviewing the lines forthe role that he/she is performing or auditioning for. Although there isno single approach to accomplish this, there are many common approachesand steps. Unfortunately, many of these approaches and steps can be verytedious and inefficient. This can result in the learning/reviewingprocess becoming less effective and enjoyable for the actor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a method for presenting a script to a user isdisclosed. The method comprises analyzing a digital representation of amanuscript. This digital representation comprises a set of roles and aset of information associated with each role in the set of roles. Anactive role in the set of roles that is associated with a given user isidentified based on the analyzing. At least a portion of the manuscriptis presented to the given user via a user interface. The portioncomprises at least a subset of information in the set of information.Information within the set of information that is associated with theactive role is presented in a visually different manner than informationwithin the set of information that is associated with a non-active role,which is a role that is associated with a user other than the givenuser.

In another embodiment, an electronic device for presenting a script to auser is disclosed. The electronic device comprises memory and aprocessor that is communicatively coupled to the memory. An interactivescript environment is communicatively coupled to the memory and theprocessor. The interactive script environment is configured to perform amethod. The method comprises analyzing a digital representation of amanuscript. This digital representation comprises a set of roles and aset of information associated with each role in the set of roles. Anactive role in the set of roles that is associated with a given user isidentified based on the analyzing. At least a portion of the manuscriptis presented to the given user via a user interface. The portioncomprises at least a subset of information in the set of information.Information within the set of information that is associated with theactive role is presented in a visually different manner than informationwithin the set of information that is associated with a non-active role,which is a role that is associated with a user other than the givenuser.

In yet another embodiment, a computer program product for presenting ascript to a user is disclosed. The computer program product comprises astorage medium readable by a processing circuit and storing instructionsfor execution by the processing circuit for performing a method. Themethod comprises analyzing a digital representation of a manuscript.This digital representation comprises a set of roles and a set ofinformation associated with each role in the set of roles. An activerole in the set of roles that is associated with a given user isidentified based on the analyzing. At least a portion of the manuscriptis presented to the given user via a user interface. The portioncomprises at least a subset of information in the set of information.Information within the set of information that is associated with theactive role is presented in a visually different manner than informationwithin the set of information that is associated with a non-active role,which is a role that is associated with a user other than the givenuser.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, and which together with the detailed description below areincorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to furtherillustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles andadvantages all in accordance with the present disclosure, in which:

FIG. 1 shows one example of an operating environment according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows one example of a page from a performing arts script;

FIG. 3 shows one example of an interactive Script environment accordingto one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates one example of presenting a script in a Line mode inthe interactive script environment of FIG. 1 according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates one example of presenting a script in a Role mode inthe interactive script environment of FIG. 1 according to one embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates one example of presenting a script in a Redacted modein the interactive script environment of FIG. 1 according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 shows an interactive script environment presenting audio optionsto a user according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 shows an interactive script environment for editing one or morelines of a script according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an operational flow diagram illustrating one example of aprocess for presenting a script to a user within an interactive scriptenvironment according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is operational flow diagram illustrating one example of a moredetailed process for presenting a script to a user within an interactivescript environment according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is operational flow diagram illustrating one example of aprocess for providing a simulated reading partner for a script within aninteractive script environment according to one embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a detailed view of aninformation processing system according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein; however, it isto be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples andthat the systems and methods described below can be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to variously employ the disclosed subject matter in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure and function. Further, the terms andphrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather, toprovide an understandable description.

The terms “a” or “an”, as used herein, are defined as one as or morethan one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two as ormore than two. Plural and singular terms are the same unless expresslystated otherwise. The term another, as used herein, is defined as atleast a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as usedherein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The termcoupled, as used herein, is defined as connected, although notnecessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The termsprogram, software application, and the like as used herein, are definedas a sequence of instructions designed for execution on a computersystem. A program, computer program, or software application may includea subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an objectimplementation, an executable application, an applet, a servlet, asource code, an object code, a shared library/dynamic load libraryand/or other sequence of instructions designed for execution on acomputer system.

The term “electronic device” is intended to broadly cover many differenttypes of electronic devices. For example, and not for any limitation, anelectronic device can include any one or a combination of the following:a wireless communication device, a laptop computer, notebook computer,personal computer, Personal Digital Assistant, reading devices, tablets,gaming units, and other electronic devices capable of presentinginformation to a user via visual, audible, and/or tactile mechanisms.

Conventionally, an actor usually needs to identify his/her lines fromthe various lines in a manuscript (script). This is sometimes performedby taking a paper version of the script and using a see-through markingdevice to highlight their lines. From this the actor will familiarizehimself/herself with the script dialogue and work on learning the lines.As a part of the learning process, the actor needs to read the linesthat are not his/hers, and to also not see his/her lines as well. Thisis typically accomplished by covering the entire dialogue with anotherpiece of paper and then sliding the sheet down without revealing his/herdialogue to see if he/she knows the next line. The actor then continuesto move the paper down revealing the next set of dialogue. Once theactor feels that the script has been learned, the actor will often timesenlist the aid of another person to read the lines that are not theactor's and provide feedback. More often than not this is completedprior to the first rehearsal.

Once rehearsal begins, there are usually changes and enhancements to thescript. The changes take the form of deleted lines, added lines andchanged lines. Also, the actor will often mark “blocking” instructionsin the script. “Blocking” is movement that an actor needs to performsuch as “Move to left of stage”, “Pick up Drink”, and is typically not apart of the script as initially written. The actor usually marks thesechanges and enhancements back into the script.

As discussed above, these conventional methods for learning/reviewinglines and other information in a script can be very tedious andinefficient. This can result in the learning/reviewing process becomingless effective and enjoyable for the actor. Therefore, one or moreembodiments of the present invention advantageously provide aninteractive script environment that assists an actor in the variousaspects of learning/reviewing his/her lines in a script. The interactivescript environment also allows an actor to keep track of changes andenhancements to these scripts. Through this environment one or morescripts are presented to a user. Various aspects of the script arerendered (visually and/or with sound) in unique formats to help theactor easily identify them. The presentation of these aspects are highlycustomizable, but, in one embodiment, default to the most common usage,or expected usage.

The actor/user can select any of the roles of the script and have thatrole designated as the active role of the script for the learning/reviewprocess. The user can set a bookmark on any of the lines in the scriptand be able to quickly jump to any of the bookmarked lines. The user canalso have the lines presented to him/her in an audible format by eitherrecording the lines into a user device, downloading/transferringprerecorded audio files, and/or using text-to-speech technology to speakthe lines. When using text-to-speech capabilities, the user can assign adifferent voice to each role.

The user can create and edit the script on a user device comprising theinteractive script environment. Alternatively, the user can create andedit the script on an internet web site, remote system, and/or cloudcomputing environment and have the resultant script downloaded to theuser device. Additionally, changes the user makes to the script on thecomputing device can be uploaded and stored on the internet web-site,remote system, cloud computing environment, etc.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed discussion taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, variousembodiments of the present invention.

Operating Environment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one example of an operatingenvironment for assisting an actor with the various aspects oflearning/reviewing his/her lines in a script and also in keeping trackof the changes and enhancements to these scripts as well. It should benoted that although the following discussion is with respect to actorsand performing arts scripts, one or more embodiments of the presentinvention are applicable to other types of individuals and informationmediums such as, but not limited to, musicians and lyric sheets.

In particular, FIG. 1 shows an electronic device 100, herein referred toas the “user device 100”. It should be noted that throughout thefollowing discussion the terms “user” and “actor” are usedinterchangeably unless otherwise noted. The user device 100 can be anyelectronic device such as a wireless communication device, a laptopcomputer, notebook computer, personal computer, Personal DigitalAssistant, reading devices, tablets, gaming units, and other electronicdevices capable of presenting information to a user via visual, audible,and/or tactile mechanisms.

The user device 100, in one embodiment, comprises an interactive scriptenvironment 102 that allows a user to manage and interact with one ormore scripts by, for example, reviewing components of the script,editing the script, annotating the script, and the like. The term“script” or “scripts” as used herein, indicate a representation (printedor digital) of an actor's (or actors') lines and stage directions thatare used as the basis of implementing a performing arts event such as(but not limited to) a staged play, television program, movie,commercial, or the like.

The interactive script environment 102, in one embodiment, comprises oneor more selectable components that perform appropriate responses. Itshould be noted that throughout this discussion, any of the selectablecomponents can be selected by one or more mechanisms such as, but notlimited to, voice recognition, contact selection (e.g., with a stylus),and the like. The interactive script environment 102 further comprises ascript presentation module 104, a script editing module 106, one or morescripts 107, optionally one or more audio files 109, and atext-to-speech (TTS) module 111. The script presentation module 104renders/presents a digital representation of a script to a user via auser interface 108, such as a display, of the user device 100. As willbe discussed further below, a script 107 can be presented to a user invarious formats that assist in learning/reviewing the script 107. As theprocess of creating the performing art event progresses, the script 107can be modified/revised many times. Therefore, the script editing module106 allows the user to change, add, and remove lines from the script 107as needed. In addition, the script editing module 106 also allows theuser to add annotations, images, video, and the like to the script 107.

The audio files 109, in one embodiment, are each associated with one ormore dialogue lines in the script 107. The audio files 109 are utilizedby the script presentation module 104 to audibly present correspondingdialogue lines in the script 107. The user is able to create and playthe audio files 109 through an audio interface 110 of the user device100. It should be noted that the user can also download or transferthese audio files 109 to the user device 100.

The script editing module 106 further allows the user to link theseaudio recordings to their associated lines in the script 107 so thatwhen the user reaches the given line(s) in script 107 the associatedaudio recording is either automatically played or manually played. Inanother embodiment, the interactive script environment 102 can monitor,via the audio interface 110, a user's reading of his/her lines anddetect when another actor's lines should be read. The scriptpresentation module 104 then automatically plays, via the audiointerface 110, the audio file 109 associated with the other actor'sline(s). This simulates a reading environment comprising other actors.

The script 107, in one embodiment, can be digitally stored on the userdevice 100 in memory such as, but not limited to, volatile and/ornon-volatile memory. It should be noted that the script 107, audio files109, and/or modifications/revisions/annotations to the script 107 can bestored remotely from the user device 100 as well. For example, theinteractive script environment 102 can render/present a script to a userthat is stored remotely from the user device 100 on, for example, theuser's personal computer, in a cloud computing environment, on a remoteserver, or the like. The user can also purchase scripts 107 or otherwiseobtain digital scripts and download them to the user device 100.

In addition, the functions/operations performed by the interactivescript environment 102 discussed herein can also be provided by a remotesystem such as, but not limited to, a cloud computing system. In thisembodiment, the interactive script environment 102 is an interface suchas a browser, mashup, and/or an application that allows the user tointeract with the remote system for performing the functions/operationsdiscussed herein.

One advantage of the interactive script environment 102 is that itenhances the learning/reviewing process of a script. For example, theinteractive script environment 102 allows a user to easily identifyhis/her lines. The interactive script environment 102 can also presentsthe script 107 in a way that hides the user's lines from view whiledisplaying the other lines of the script. The user can easily work on asmall segment of the script by using navigation facilities such asbookmarks, next, and previous lines. The interactive script environment102 reduces the need for a second person by using the audio andtext-to-speech capabilities. These and other aspects of the interactivescript environment 102 give the user more time to study the script 107.When implemented on a portable device, such a smartphone or tablet, theuser can study the script during any idle time such as waiting in line.

FIG. 2 shows a sample page 200 from a hardcopy script, typical of thatused in the performing arts industry. FIG. 2 further identifies examplesof components that are emulated in the script presentation module 104.As can be seen, the page 200 comprises a set of information such as, butnot limited to, dialogue lines, stage directions, etc. that areassociated with each role. In the example of FIG. 2, this set ofinformation is displayed as text. However, other methods of displayingthis information can be used as well.

One or more lines in a script 107 can be classified into a category.Examples of various categories are Scene 202, Dialogue 204, and StageDirections 206. A Scene 202 line type indicates the beginning of a newscene or act. The Dialogue 204 line type represents words that arespoken by the actor. The Stage Directions 206 line type is informationthat describes what should be happening beyond just the spoken word,such as, but not limited to, what the stage looks like, where actorsshould be positioned, what the lighting should be, how lines should beinterpreted, what props are used, etc. This information is generally notspoken by an actor. The stage directions are typically indented and initalics to help differentiate them from dialogue lines. Any single oneof these line types (or categories) 202, 204 or 206 can be consideredone line regardless of the number of sentences that item may include.

With respect to dialogue lines 204, there is an indication of what role208 is speaking the line. For example, FIG. 2 shows that the role of“BABCOCK” is speaking the line that includes the dialogue “Too True.”.In addition, there are sometimes stage directions 210 embedded within adialogue line. The accepted indication of an embedded direction is thatthey are enclosed in parentheses and italicized. For example, FIG. 2shows a stage direction of “(Flatly)” that is enclosed in parenthesesand italicized. However, other methods can be used to identify stagedirections as well.

FIGS. 3-8 illustrate various examples of a user interacting with theinteractive script environment 102 using the sample script page 200 ofFIG. 2. The lines of the script that are presented to the user in FIGS.3-8 are collectively identified in FIG. 2 as group 226. Also forexemplary purposes only, the active role for this user is considered tobe BABCOCK. The lines identified in group 226 are broken down to theirbasic lines as follows:

-   -   212—Dialogue line    -   214—Dialogue line for active role BABCOCK    -   216—Dialogue line    -   218—Stage Directions    -   220—Dialogue line for active role BABCOCK    -   222—Stage Directions    -   224—Dialogue line

After the user has initiated the interactive script environment 102 andselected a given script 107, the script 107 is presented to the user ina primary window 300 via the script presentation module 104. It shouldbe noted that the script 107 can be automatically displayed to the userwithout requiring the user to manually select the script 107. Theprimary window 300, in one embodiment, is the main window of theinteractive script environment 102 that is utilized by the user forlearning/reviewing the script 107. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the window300 displays at least a portion of a page of the script 107.

The script presentation module 104 presents dialogue lines 214, 220associated with the active role (BABCOCK in this example) in one or moreregions 302, 304 of the window 300 and presents dialogue lines 212, 216associated with the non-active roles (e.g., GERALD) in one or more otherregions 303, 305. The script presentation module 104, in one embodiment,presents active role dialogue lines 214, 220 to the user in a visuallydifferent manner than non-active role lines 212, 216. FIG. 3 shows oneexample where the active role dialogue lines 214, 220 are highlighted(as indicated by the dashed boxes 307, 309) and the non-active roledialogue lines 212, 216 are not highlighted. For example, the activerole dialogue lines 214, 220 can be highlighted with a yellowbackground, while the non-active dialogue lines 212, 216 have a whitebackground. However, any type of visual mechanism can be used todistinguish active role dialogue lines 214, 220 from non-active roledialogue lines 212, 216. It should be noted that the user is able toselect the active role and/or non-active roles through the interactivescript environment 102. Also, to help more easily identify dialoguelines the script presentation module 104 can further visually alter thedialogue lines. For example, FIG. 3 shows that for each dialogue line212, 214, 216, 220 the role (e.g., BABCOCK and GERALD) have beenpresented in a bold font. However, any type of visual mechanism can beused to distinguish dialogue lines from other types of lines.

The script presentation module 104 also presents stage direction lines218 to the user in one or more additional regions 306 of the window 300.In one embodiment, the stage direction lines 218 are indented anditalicized to substantially represent industry accepted standards forstage directions. With respect to embedded stage directions 308 for agiven dialogue line 216, the script presentation module 104 presentsthese stage directions 308 in an italicized font as is standard practicefor hard-copy scripts. However, any type of visual mechanism can be usedto identify embedded stage directions. The script presentation module104 can also display the name/title of the currently displayed script inyet another region 310 of the window 300. In one embodiment, the currentactive role 311 can also be displayed in this region 310 or anotherregion as well.

The following are additional examples of various aspects of a script 107that can be presented to a user through the interactive scriptenvironment along with presentation characteristics to help a useridentify one type of displayed information from another. Lines for therole that pertains to the user can be displayed, for example, with ablack foreground/yellow background. Lines for roles that do not pertainto the user can be displayed, for example, with a black foreground/Whitebackground. A role name can be displayed, for example, in bold font.Script information that is not dialogue, such as stage directions, canbe displayed, for example, with italicized and indented font. Stagedirections that are embedded within dialogue in a script, which areusually surrounded by parentheses, can be displayed, for example, withitalicized font. Dialogue that is spoken simultaneously with anotherrole can be displayed, for example, with a red foreground. Long runs ofdialogue that are spoken in parallel with another actor can bedisplayed, for example, with each run in a unique foreground color. Sungdialogue can be displayed, for example, with uppercase and bolded font.

The script 107 can be presented to the user in a variety of approachesthrough which the user can move forward and backward through the script107. For example, the script presentation module 104 can present thescript is various different modes such as a Scene mode, Role mode,Script mode, Line mode, Redacted mode, and the like. FIG. 3 shows thescript 107 being displayed in Scene mode where all lines for a givenscene are rendered in the window regardless of the type of the line.This allows the user to view the lines a scene at a time. Each scene ispresented to the use on a separate scrollable page. In the Role mode alllines for one or more roles are presented to the user. Lines are dividedinto groups: a) lines that are for the active role and b) all otherlines. This mode alternatively shows in a window all contiguous linesfor the active role (a) and then renders all contiguous other lines (b).This alternating sequence is repeated for the entire script. In theScript mode the entire script is rendered and presented to the user. Inthe Line mode each line of the script is rendered by itself in a windowand the user can view the lines a single line at a time. In the Redactedmode one or more lines of text are redacted or hidden from the user. Theuser can select which line to redact either based on type or customselection of lines. For example, this mode can be similar to the Scenemode except that the words for the lines of the active role cannot beread. It should be noted that the interactive script environment 102 caninclude other rendering/presentation modes as well. The user is able toselect a rendering/presentation mode via an on-screen widget such as aStyle icon/button 312, as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 shows the script 107 being displayed in the Line mode. Forexample, the first window 400 shows a line 214 from the sample script200 in FIG. 2. When the Next icon 314 (FIG. 3) is selected the window400 is updated with the next line 216 in the script 107, as shown inupdated window 402. A subsequent selection of the Next icon 314 resultsin the next line 218 of the script 107 after line 216 being displayed,as shown in updated window 404.

FIG. 5 shows the script 107 being displayed in the Role mode, where theactive role is BABCOCK. For example, the first window 500 shows a line214 from the script 107 that is associated with the active role BABCOCKWhen the Next icon 314 is selected the window 500 is updated withnon-active role lines 216 218, as shown in updated window 502. Two linesare rendered since the next BABCOCK line is not until 220. This window502, in general, can include all lines up till the next BABCOCK line. Asubsequent selection of the Next icon 314 results in the next line 220of the script 107 being displayed, as shown in updated window 504. FIG.6 shows the script 107 being displayed in the Redacted mode, where theactive role is BABCOCK. As can be seen, the dialogue lines 214, 220 forBABCOCK are shown as a placeholder but the text is not rendered.

Returning to FIG. 3, the user has many options for viewing the lines ofa script through the interactive script environment 102. For example, toview additional lines that are out-of-view in the window, the user isable to use a pointing device such as a mouse, stylus, or finger toscroll the lines up, down, left, and/or right, which brings new lines(or previous lines) into view. The user can also use the pointing device(or on-screen widgets) to zoom into or out of the script 107. Theinteractive script environment 102 can also present various widgets tothe user such as a “Next” or “Previous” icon. Upon selection of the Nexticon 314, the window 300 is refreshed to show the next logical groupingof lines as is appropriate for the current viewing mode. Similarly, uponselection of the Previous icon 316, the window 300 is refreshed with theprevious logical grouping of lines as is appropriate for the currentviewing mode.

Another icon that can be presented to the user is a “Bookmark” icon 318.The Bookmark icon 318 allows the user to place bookmarks anyplace in thescript 107. For example, upon selection of the Bookmark icon 318 a newwindow is presented to the user that comprises a list of bookmarks thatuser can select. A few examples of bookmarks are “BABCOCK Entrance 1”,“BABCOCK Entrance 2”, “Act 1, Scene 2”, “GERALD sits on hat”, etc. Whenthe user selects one of these bookmarks, the window 300 is refreshedwith the appropriate grouping of lines where the first line rendered isthe line indicated by the selected bookmark.

Yet another icon is a “Previous Bookmark” icon 320. When this icon isselected the window 300 is refreshed to present the same informationthat was displayed based on the previous bookmark being selected by theuser. This makes it very convenient for the user to work on a specificsection of the script 107. A “Role” icon 322 can also be displayed tothe user. When the Role icon 322 is selected, a selection window isdisplayed that allows the user to select any of the roles in the scriptand make that role(s) the active role(s). Alternatively, the user canselect non-active roles as well. When the user selects an active role ordesignates the non-active roles, the window 300 is refreshed to show thelines appropriate for the new active role(s).

It should be noted that a “Search” icon (not shown) can also bepresented to the user as well. When this icon is selected the user isable to enter one or more search terms or categories into a search box(not shown). For example, the user can search for a specific word orphrase, particular lines associated with a given role, lines associatedwith a given scene or act, lines with embedded stage directions, linesannotated by the user, etc. This allows the user to easily andefficiently find information with the script.

FIG. 3 also shows an “Audio” icon 324. When selected, the interactivescripting environment 102 displays (or hides) audio options within aregion 705 of the window 700, as shown in FIG. 7. For example, when theuser selects the Audio icon 324, in one embodiment, the region 705 isdisplayed along with the various icons such as start/stop icon 702, apause 704, and a volume icon 706 shown therein. When the Audio icon 324is selected again this region 705 along with these icons 702, 704, 706disappear. It should be noted that the region 705 can remain, but whilethe icons 702, 704, 706 disappear.

With these audio options the user has the capability of recording audiorelated to dialogue lines, and use those recordings in addition to (orin replacement of) having the text appear on the window. Alternatively,audio files 109 associated with a given role or given lines of dialoguecan be downloaded and/or stored on the user device 100 for use by theinteractive script environment 102, as discussed above. Even further,instead of using audio files 109, the interactive script environment 102can utilize the TTS module 111 to audibly present a given set ofdialogue to the user.

In one embodiment, the user is able to record his/her voice as he/shereads a given line(s) of dialogue. This allows a user to capture his/her“performance” of one or more lines of dialogue for review. The user isable to start, stop, and/or pause a recording process or a playbackprocess utilizing one or more associated widgets 702, 704. For example,an icon 702 can be displayed to the user that allows the user to eitherstart/stop a recording process or play/stop playback of an audio file109. A pause icon 704 allows the user to pause a recording process orthe playback of an audio file 109. A volume widget 706 allows the userto control the output level of the audio. For example, the user canslide the icon 706 to the left or right to increase or decrease thevolume. The above icons 702, 704, 706 and their operations are alsoapplicable to controlling TTS playback of lines of dialogue as well.

In one embodiment, the user is able to select a given set of dialoguelines and have the corresponding audio file 109 played through the audiointerface 110 (e.g., speaker). This selection can be performed byselecting the set of dialogue lines directly on the user interface 108(e.g., display). This selection can be performed utilizing a pointingdevice, navigating to the set of dialogue lines via a mechanical oron-screen navigation device, and/or the like. Once a selection is made,the corresponding audio file 109 can be automatically played or manuallyplayed as a result of the user pressing the play icon 702. This allowsthe user to read his/her line then have another actor's lines audiblypresented using the corresponding audio file 109 as if an actual humanis there reading with the user. This provides the user with a morerealistic learning/reviewing experience.

If TTS is used to playback a set of dialogue lines, the TTS module 111can play either non-active role dialogue lines or active role dialoguelines depending on the current settings of the interactive scriptenvironment 102. When presenting dialogue lines with TTS, the TTS module111 is able to identify embedded stage directions and prevent theselines from being synthesized into speech. The TTS module can includemultiple voices that the user can associate with different roles. Thisallows the TTS module 111 to play back the lines with the voiceassociated for that particular role.

In another embodiment, the interactive scripting environment 102monitors a user's reading of dialogue lines and automatically plays (orautomatically converts dialogue lines via TTS) an audio file 109associated with a given set of dialogue lines. For example, as the userreads his/her dialogue line 214 “You're sitting on my hat.” the scriptpresentation module 104 monitors this reading through the audiointerface 110, which comprises a microphone. The script presentationmodule 104 analyzes the incoming audio representing the user's voice andidentifies the location within the script 107 where the user iscurrently reading or reciting. For example, the script presentationmodule 104 can identify the words being spoken by the user and matchthose words to the words in the script 107. This allows the scriptpresentation module 104 to identify the location in the script 107 atwhich the user is currently reading or reciting. It should be noted thatother methods for determining a location within the script 107 can alsobe used.

Based on this analyzing, the script presentation module 104 is able todetect when the user has completed his/her line and automatically playthe corresponding dialogue of another actor. Once the audio from theother actor's lines is played the user is able to read/recite his/hernext line. The script presentation module 104 then continues monitoringthe user. This embodiment is advantageous because it allows the user toreview/learn his/her lines as if he/she was reading with the other castmembers in a real-time environment.

In a further embodiment, the script presentation module 104 providesfeedback to the user based on his/her performance. For example, a usermay want to recite his/her lines from memory without seeing these linesin the interactive scripting environment 102. Therefore, in thisembodiment, as the user is reciting his/her lines the scriptpresentation module 104 monitors the words being spoken by the user anddetermines whether any mistakes have been made. For example, the scriptpresentation module 104 analyzes the incoming audio data representingthe user's voice and identifies each word being spoken. The scriptpresentation module 104 identifies the set of lines being recited by theuser and compares the user's words to the identified set of lines. Thescript presentation module 104 then determines if the user has correctlyrecited the lines or if the user has made a mistake. If the user hascorrectly recited the lines, the script presentation module 104 cannotify the user using any type of visual, audible, and/or tactilemechanisms. For example, a sound, image, message, color, etc. can bedisplayed to the user to indicate a correct recitation. Thisnotification, in one embodiment, can occur after a given line is read,after the entire scene is read, at an interval customized by the user,or the like.

The script presentation module 104 can also notify the user when amistake has been made. For example, the script presentation module 104can detect that the user has forgotten a word(s), recited a word(s) thatis not within the current set of dialogue lines, etc. When a mistake isdetected, the script presentation module 104 can notify the user usingany type of visual, audible, and/or tactile mechanisms such as bydisplaying an, image, message, color, etc., playing a sound, generatingtactile/haptic feedback, etc. This notification can be presented to theuser when a mistake is detected, after the user has finished recitingthe set of lines comprising the mistake, after the entire scene has beenread, or at any other point in time.

In addition to notifying the user that a mistake has occurred, thescript presentation module 104 can display or playback the correct word,words, or portion of the lines so that the user knows what should havebeen recited. Also, after the user has finished reading his/her set oflines, reading the entire scene, or the like, the user can be displayedannotations in the script 107 that identify the areas of the script 107at which correct recitations and incorrect recitations were identified.Additionally, a report can be generated with this information as well.

As discussed above, the user can also edit the script 107 in variousways. FIG. 8 shows one example of a window 800 for allowing the user toedit a script 107. The editing process is managed by the script editingmodule 106 of the interactive script environment 102. In one embodiment,this editing environment allows the user to manually enter notes intothe script at any location he/she desires. This allows the user to edit,modify, and/or annotate the information within script and to also addadditional material to the script as well.

In one embodiment, the user is able to view and change all aspects of aline within this editing environment. In the example of FIG. 8, line 214of the script 107 has been displayed in a first region 802 of the window800. When the user selects this region 802 or the line itself 214, theuser is able to modify the contents of the line 214. The line text caninclude markup language tags (e.g., hypertext markup language (HTML)tags) to allow additional formatting of the text when being played back.A second region 804 of the window 800 indicates what type of line isrepresented (Scene, Dialogue, Stage directions). The user can use apointing/navigation device to change the line to the desired type. Athird region 806 indicates what role is associated with this line 214. Afourth region 808 indicates the name of the bookmark associated withthis line if such a bookmark exists. A fifth region 810 indicateswhether this line is spoken at the same time as another line. The useris able to change this value. In one embodiment, when dialogue isidentified as being spoken at the same time by two or more roles, thelines for these two or more roles can be presented together in one line.

A sixth region 812 indicates whether this line is spoken in parallelwith another dialogue line. A numeric value is assigned to this regionto indicate a parallel dialogue. All lines relating to the same logicalconversation are given the same numeric value. However, other methodsfor indicating parallel dialogue are applicable as well. Upon selectingthe role icon 822, a window is displayed showing a list of possibleroles that the user can select for association the selected line 214.Selecting the add line icon 814 results in any changes made to the lineinformation being saved and a new line being created. The bookmark icon818 allows the user to add, change, or delete the bookmark associatedwith this line. When the record icon 820 is selected the audio interface110 begins recording and allows the user to make an audio file 109 thatis associated with this line 214. This audio file 109 is then availablefor playback when playing the script 107. The user is able to select theNext icon 826 to advance to the next line and make (or review) arecording. Alternatively, once the user has finished speaking during arecording the user can select the Next icon, which terminates therecording process and advances to the next line. The user can similarlyselect the Previous icon 828 to return to a previous live and make (orreview) a recording. The play icon 830 audibly presents any audio file109 associated with this line 214. The audio volume icon 824 allows theuser to increase or decrease the audio volume by sliding the levelindicator left or right.

Operational Flow Diagram

FIG. 9 is an operational flow diagram illustrating one example ofpresenting a script 107 to a user through an interactive scriptenvironment 102. The operational flow diagram of FIG. 9 begins at step900 and flows directly to step 902. The script presentation module 104,at step 902, presents a window to the user comprising available scripts107 available for selection. The script presentation module 104 displaysa selected script 107 to the user via the user interface 108 of the userdevice 100. It should be noted that, in one embodiment, there is nopredefined format of the script 107. However, certain information aboutthe non-digital scripts can be encapsulated in the format, as discussedabove with respect to FIG. 2. For example, information such as whichlines are dialogue lines, the role associated with a dialogue line,

After the script 107 has been loaded, the script presentation module104, at step 904, determines whether the script 107 needs to be modifiedin any way. Here, the user can optionally request to edit the script 107via the script editing module 106, thereby placing the interactivescript environment 102 in an edit state. If the user has decided to makechanges, an editing environment, at step 906, is presented to the user.For example, a window is presented to the user that provides facilitiesfor changing characteristics of the script 107 by changing, adding, orremoving lines therefrom. In addition, the user can optionally addbookmarks to the script 107 and add audio files/recordings 109 to thescript 107 to be played back as a part of the presentation process.

When the user chooses not to make changes, or alternatively hascompleted his changes the script presentation module 104 places theenvironment 102 into a presentation state for presenting the script 107to the user. The script presentation module 104, at step 908, receivesthe user's selection for a role that he/she wishes to study or learn.For example, the script presentation module 104 presents a selectionwindow to the user that comprises a list of all the possible rolls(characters) in the script 107. The user selects one of these roles tobe the active role in the presentation of the script 107. All otherlines can be considered non-active. This active role is the part thatthe user is playing in the performing arts event. In some performingarts events the actor may play multiple roles. In this case the user isable to select more than one role at the same time to be considered theactive role(s).

The script presentation module 104, at step 910, prompts the user toselect a presentation mode for the script 107. As discussed above, thereare at least four primary modes that can be rendered, Scene mode, Linemode, Role mode, and Redacted mode. Once the user selects thepresentation mode, the script presentation module 104, at step 912,renders/presents the script lines appropriate for the selected mode onthe user interface 108 of the user device 100. In one embodiment, thelines are displayed within a scrollable window allowing the user to viewall the lines for that mode in the event that they are not all visiblein the window. If audio is available for the lines being viewed, theycan be played at this time as well.

The script presentation module 104, at step 914, determines if the userhas completed viewing the script 107. If the user has not completedviewing the script 107, the script presentation module 104, at step 916,receives a selection from the user of another group of lines to view.The control flow then returns to step 912 to render/present these lines.A few examples of the options available to the user for selectionare: 1) the next sequential group of lines, 2) the group of linespreviously viewed, 3) a bookmark in the script that allows the user tojump to any place in the script that he/she has previously setup, 4)jump to the last bookmark previously selected, 5) change the activerole, and 6) change to another display mode. Once the next group oflines is selected, the script presentation module 104 has as the currentposition the next individual line to be rendered/presented to the user.This current position is the first line of the next group of lines torender/present.

Once the script presentation module 104 has received an indication fromthe user that he/she has completed viewing the script 107 the scriptpresentation module 104, at step state 918, saves the state of theinteractive script environment 102. This state can include, but is notlimited to, the script 107, active role, display mode, and the group oflines the user was viewing. This state can be used the next time theinteractive script environment 102 is started so that the user does notneed to reselect them. The control flow then exits at step 920.

FIG. 10 is an operational flow diagram illustrating a more detailedexample of the line rendering step 912 of FIG. 9. The operational flowdiagram of FIG. 10 beings at step 1000 and flows directly to step 1002.In rendering/presenting the lines of the script, the script presentationmodule 104 determines which lines to render/present. Therefore, thescript presentation module 104, at step 1002, determines if the user hasselected the Line mode. If so, the script presentation module 104, atstep 1004, retrieves the line at the current position in the script 107to be rendered/presented. The control then flows to step 1016. If thedetermination at step 1004 is negative, the script presentation module104, at step 1006, determines if the user has selected the Role mode. Ifso, the script presentation module 104, at step 1008, retrieves theappropriate lines for the current role. If the current position in thescript is dialogue for the active role, then the line at the currentposition of the script is retrieved, otherwise, all sequential linesfrom the current position to the line before the next dialogue line forthe active role are retrieved. The control then flows to step 1016.

If the result of the determination at step 1006 is negative, the scriptpresentation module 104 determines that either the Scene mode or theRedacted mode has been selected. Therefore, the script presentationmodule 104, at step 1010, retrieves all lines from the current positionin the script 107 up to either, the line before the next Scene line, orthe last line in the script 107, whichever comes first. If the scriptpresentation module 104, at step 1012, determines that the user hasselected Redacted mode, the script presentation module 104, at step1014, modifies the lines for the Active role within the just retrievedlines in a manner (such as converting the characters to spaces) thatmakes the text un-readable. The script presentation manager 104, at step1016, then renders/presents the retrieved lines to the user via the userinterface 108.

The script presentation module 104, at step 1018, determines if the userhas selected audio playback of a given set of lines in the script 107.If the user has selected to not use audio playback the control flow thenexits at step 1026. The script presentation module 104, at step 1020,determines if the text-to-speech option has been selected. If so, thescript presentation module 104, at step 1022, converts the lines justretrieved to audio via the TTS module and audibly presents these linesto the user via the audio interface 110. In one embodiment of theinvention, only lines for the non-active role will be played on theaudio device. However, any portion of the script 107 can be played. Thecontrol flow then exits at step 1026. If TTS has not been selected, thescript presentation module 104, at step 1024, plays audio filescorresponding to any of the lines in the lines just retrieved. Thecontrol flow then exits at step 1026.

FIG. 11 is an operational flow diagram illustrating another example ofproviding an interactive script environment to a user. The operationalflow diagram of FIG. 10 begins at step 1102 and flows directly to step1104. The script presentation manager 104, at step 1104, receives audiodata representing a user's recitation of at least a portion of line in ascript 107. For example, the script presentation manager 104 can receiveaudio through a microphone that is receiving a user's spoken words. Thescript presentation manager 104, at step 1106, analyzes the audio data.The script presentation manager 104, at step 1108, identifies, based onthe analyzing, a location in the script 107 corresponding to the user'srecitation.

The script presentation manager 104, at step 1110, compares the wordsbeing recited by the user to the words at the identified location in thescript 107. The script presentation manager 104, at step 1112,determines, based on the comparison, if the user has reached the end ofhis/her line. If the result of this determination is negative, thecontrol flow returns to step 1110. If the result of this determinationis positive, the script presentation manager 104, at step 1114,determines if the next line in the script 107 is a non-active role line.

If the result of this determination is negative, the script presentationmanager 104 continues to analyze the audio data and compare the wordsrecited by the user to words in the corresponding location in thescripts 107. If the result of this determination is positive, the scriptpresentation manager 104, at step 1116, plays an audio file(s) 109corresponding to the non-active role line. The script presentationmanager 104, at step 1118, determines if there are any additional linesin the script, scene, etc. If the result of this determination ispositive, the control flows to step 1114. If the result of thisdetermination is negative, the control flow exits at step 1120. Itshould be noted that at the comparison step 1110, the scriptpresentation manager can also determine if the user is correctly orincorrectly reciting his/her lines, as discussed above. Then the scriptpresentation manager 104 is able to notify the user accordingly.

Information Processing System

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a more detailed view of aninformation processing system 1200, such as the user device 100, whichcan be utilized in the operating environment discussed above withrespect to FIG. 1. It should be noted that if the information processingsystem 1200 is a wireless communication device, wireless communicationsubsystems (not shown) can also be included in addition to thecomponents discussed below.

The information processing system 1200, in one embodiment, is based upona suitably configured processing system adapted to implement one or moreembodiments of the present invention. Similarly, any suitably configuredprocessing system can be used as the information processing system 1200by embodiments of the present invention. The information processingsystem 1200 includes a computer 1202. The computer 1202 has aprocessor(s) 1204 that is connected to a main memory 1206, mass storageinterface 1208, and network adapter hardware 1210. A system bus 1212interconnects these system components. The main memory 1206, in oneembodiment, comprises the interactive script environment 102 and itscomponents as shown in FIG. 1, the scripts 107, audio files 109, and TTSmodule 111.

Although illustrated as concurrently resident in the main memory 1206,it is clear that respective components of the main memory 1206 are notrequired to be completely resident in the main memory 1206 at all timesor even at the same time. In one embodiment, the information processingsystem 1200 utilizes conventional virtual addressing mechanisms to allowprograms to behave as if they have access to a large, single storageentity, referred to herein as a computer system memory, instead ofaccess to multiple, smaller storage entities such as the main memory1206 and data storage device 1216. Note that the term “computer systemmemory” is used herein to generically refer to the entire virtual memoryof the information processing system 1200.

The mass storage interface 1208 is used to connect mass storage devices,such as mass storage device 1214, to the information processing system1200. One specific type of data storage device is an optical drive suchas a CD/DVD drive, which may be used to store data to and read data froma computer readable medium or storage product such as (but not limitedto) a CD/DVD 1216. Another type of data storage device is a data storagedevice configured to support, for example, NTFS type file systemoperations.

Although only one CPU 1204 is illustrated for computer 1202, computersystems with multiple CPUs can be used equally effectively. Embodimentsof the present invention further incorporate interfaces that eachincludes separate, fully programmed microprocessors that are used tooff-load processing from the CPU 1204. An operating system (not shown)included in the main memory is any suitable operating system such as,but not limited to, any of the Linux, UNIX, Windows, and Windows Serverbased operating systems. Handheld operating systems such as, but notlimited to, iOS, Android, webOS, etc., are also applicable as well.Embodiments of the present invention are able to use any other suitableoperating system. Some embodiments of the present invention utilizearchitectures, such as an object oriented framework mechanism, thatallows instructions of the components of operating system (not shown) tobe executed on any processor located within the information processingsystem 1200. The network adapter hardware 1210 is used to provide aninterface to a network 1218. Embodiments of the present invention areable to be adapted to work with any data communications connectionsincluding present day analog and/or digital techniques or via a futurenetworking mechanism.

Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention aredescribed in the context of a fully functional computer system, those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various embodiments arecapable of being distributed as a program product via CD or DVD, e.g. CD1216, CD ROM, or other form of recordable media, or via any type ofelectronic transmission mechanism.

Non-Limiting Examples

Although specific embodiments of the invention have been disclosed,those having ordinary skill in the art will understand that changes canbe made to the specific embodiments without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is not to berestricted, therefore, to the specific embodiments, and it is intendedthat the appended claims cover any and all such applications,modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the presentinvention.

Aspects of the present invention were discussed above with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block ofthe flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations ofblocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can beimplemented by computer program instructions. These computer programinstructions can be provided to a processor of a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions,which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus, create means for implementing thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to causea series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other devices to produce a computerimplemented process such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer or other programmable apparatus provide processes forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks.

In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams canrepresent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one ormore executable instructions for implementing the specified logicalfunction(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block can occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successioncan, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks cansometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware andcomputer instructions.

Although various example embodiments of the present invention have beendiscussed in the context of a fully functional computer system, those ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that various embodiments canbe embodied as a system, method, or computer program product and arecapable of being distributed as a computer readable storage medium or aprogram product via CD or DVD, e.g. CD, CD-ROM, or other form ofrecordable media, and/or according to alternative embodiments via anytype of electronic transmission mechanism. A computer program productcan be embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) havingcomputer readable program code embodied thereon. Accordingly, aspects ofthe present invention can take the form of an entirely hardwareembodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware,resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodiment combining softwareand hardware aspects that can all generally be referred to herein as a“circuit,” “module” or “system.”

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) can beutilized. The computer readable medium can be a computer readable signalmedium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readablestorage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Morespecific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readablestorage medium would include the following: an electrical connectionhaving one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, arandom access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber,a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storagedevice, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storagemedium can be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a programfor use by or in connection with an instruction execution system,apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium can include a propagated data signalwith computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, inbaseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal can takeany of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to,electromagnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. Acomputer readable signal medium can be any computer readable medium thatis not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate,propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with aninstruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium can be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of thepresent invention can be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code can execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection can be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for presenting a script to a user, themethod comprising: presenting via a user interface of an electronicdevice a list of a plurality of character roles in a script; receivingfrom the user, using the user interface of the electronic device, aselection of one or more active character roles in a set of active andnon-active character roles, each of the active character roles includesone or more of role names, dialogue, and stage directions associatedtherewith within the script; in response to receiving a selection fromthe user, visually altering an appearance by redacting the one or morelines of dialogue associated with the active character roles todistinguish these lines of dialog from the one or more lines of dialogassociated with the non-active character roles; presenting via the userinterface of the electronic device a list of a plurality of displaymodes for the script; and in response to receiving a display modeselection from the user of a role mode, presenting, on the userinterface on a first screen of the electronic device, at least a portionof the script in which contiguous lines for the active character rolestogether on the user interface of the electronic device at a first timeperiod and then presenting contiguous lines for the non-active characterroles together on the user interface of a second screen separate fromthe first screen at a second time period thereby producing analternating presentation sequence in time of the contiguous lines of thescript for the active character roles followed by the contiguous linesof the script for the non-active character roles, wherein the non-activecharacter roles comprise plurality of non-active character roles of thescript and playing the non-active character roles using at least one ofprerecorded audio and synthesized text-to-speech.
 2. The method of claim1, wherein the one or more lines of dialogue associated with the activecharacter roles are highlighted.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein therole mode displaying a set of sequential lines associated with theactive character roles followed by alternately displaying a setsequential lines associated with non-active character roles.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: audibly presenting at least afirst set of dialogue within the portion of the script wherein the firstset of dialogue is associated with at least one of the active characterroles and the non-active character roles, wherein the first set ofdialogue is audibly presented utilizing at least one of an audio fileassociated with the first set of dialogue and a text-to-speech process.5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: monitoring a recitation,by the user, of at least a second set of dialogue within the at least aportion of the script; determining, based on the monitoring, that theuser has finished reciting the second set of dialogue; and automaticallyand audibly presenting the first set of dialogue in response todetermining that user has finished reciting the second set of dialogue.6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying the portion ofthe script in an editable state; receiving, in response to the portionof the script in an editable state being displayed in the editablestate, a change to the portion of the script, from the user; andpresenting the portion of the script based on the change from the user.7. The method of claim 2, wherein the one or more lines of dialogueassociated with the active character roles are highlighted-along withthe stage directions associated with the active character roles.
 8. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the one or more lines of dialogue associatedwith the active character roles are to hidden by being highlighted. 9.An electronic device for presenting a script to a user, me electronicdevice comprising: memory; a processor communicatively coupled to thememory; and an interactive script environment communicatively coupled tothe memory and the processor, wherein the interactive script environmentis configured to perform a method comprising: presenting via a userinterface of an electronic device a list of a plurality of characterroles in a script; receiving from the user, using the user interface ofthe electronic device, a selection of one or more active character rolesin a set of active and non-active character roles, each of the activecharacter roles includes one or more of role names, dialogue, and stagedirections associated therewith within the script; receiving from theuser, using the user interface of the electronic device, a selection ofone or in response to receiving a selection from the user, visuallyaltering an appearance by redacting the one or more lines of dialogueassociated with the active character roles to distinguish these lines ofdialog from the one or more lines of dialog associated with thenonactive character roles; presenting via the user interface of theelectronic device a list of a plurality of display modes for the script;and in response to receiving a display mode selection from the user of arole mode, presenting, on the user interface on a first screen of theelectronic device, at least a portion of the script in which contiguouslines for the active character roles together on the user interface ofthe electronic device at a first time period and then presentingcontiguous lines for the non-active character roles together on the userinterface of a second screen separate from the first screen at a secondtime period thereby producing an alternating presentation sequence intime of the contiguous lines of the script for the active characterroles followed by the contiguous lines of the script for the non-activecharacter roles, wherein the non-active character roles compriseplurality of non-active character roles of the script and playing thenon-active character roles using at least one of prerecorded audio andsynthesized text-to-speech.
 10. The electronic device of claim 9,wherein the one or more lines of dialogue associated with the activecharacter roles are highlighted.
 11. The electronic device of claim 9,further comprising: audibly presenting at least a first set of dialoguewithin the portion of the script wherein the first set of dialogue isassociated with at least one of the active character roles and thenon-active character roles, wherein the first set of dialogue is audiblypresented utilizing at least one of an audio file associated with thefirst set of dialogue and a text-to-speech process.
 12. The electronicdevice of claim 11, further comprising: monitoring a recitation, by theuser, of at least a second set of dialogue within the at least a portionof the script; determining, based on the monitoring, that the user hasfinished reciting the second set of dialogue; and automatically andaudibly presenting the first set of dialogue in response to determiningthat user has finished reciting the second set of dialogue.
 13. Theelectronic device of claim 9, further comprising: displaying the portionof the script in an editable state; receiving, in response to theportion of the script in an editable state being displayed in theeditable state, a change to the portion of the script, from the user;and presenting the portion of the script based on the change from theuser.
 14. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the one or morelines of dialogue associated with the active character roles arehighlighted-along with the stage directions associated with the activecharacter roles.
 15. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the oneor more lines of dialogue associated with the active character roles areto hidden by being highlighted.
 16. A non-transitory computer programproduct for presenting a script to a user, the non-transitory computerprogram product comprising: a storage medium readable by a processingcircuit and storing instructions for execution by the processing circuitfor performing a method comprising: presenting via a user interface ofan electronic device a list of a plurality of character roles in ascript; receiving from the user, using the user interface of theelectronic device, a selection of one or more active character roles ina set of active and non-active character roles, each of the activecharacter roles includes one or more of role names, dialogue, and stagedirections associated therewith within the script; in response toreceiving a selection from the user, visually altering an appearance byredacting the one or more lines of dialogue associated with the activecharacter roles to distinguish these lines of dialog from the one ormore lines of dialog associated with the non-active character roles;presenting via the user interface of the electronic device a list of aplurality of display modes for the script; and in response to receivinga display mode selection from the user of a role mode, presenting on theuser interface on a first screen of the electronic device at least aportion of the script in which contiguous lines for the active characterroles together on the user interface of the electronic device at a firsttime period and then presenting contiguous lines for the non-activecharacter roles together on the user interface of a second screenseparate from the first screen at a second time period thereby producingan alternating presentation sequence in time of the contiguous lines ofthe script for the active character roles followed by the contiguouslines of the script for the non-active character roles, wherein thenon-active character roles comprise plurality of non-active characterroles of the script and playing the non-active character roles using atleast one of prerecorded audio and synthesized text-to-speech.
 17. Thenon-transitory computer program product of claim 16, wherein the one ormore lines of dialogue associated with the active character roles arehighlighted.